Why some Melburnians have become less ‘casually’ friendly during lockdown

Have you noticed people have become less casually friendly during lockdown? Well, you’re not alone.

Whether it’s nodding your head and saying hello to a stranger while on a walk, or chatting to somebody while waiting for a coffee, many Melburnians feel fewer people are as casually friendly at the moment than they normally are.

Anna Musson, from the Good Manners Company, said there was a reason for it.

“I think they have and I think it’s important to note that because we are putting on this physical barrier and we are told to stay home and told to be isolating … I think the more we shut down, socially, the more isolated we become,” she said on 3AW Drive.

“And the more we are thinking about becoming isolated, the less likely we are to reach out and be sociable.

“The downside of that is that it can lead to greater senses of isolation, and greater feelings of depression.”

Press PLAY below to hear Anna Musson explain

Picture by Getty iStock